Publication Database

Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 replicating and evolving in animals (2023)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Zhao, Jin

Kang, Mei

Wu, Hongyan

Sun, Bowen

Baele, Guy

He, Wan-Ting

Lu, Meng

Suchard, Marc A

Ji, Xiang

He, Na

Su, Shuo

Veit, Michael (WE 5)

Quelle

Trends in microbiology

Bandzählung: 32

Heftzählung: 1

Seiten: 79 – 92

ISSN: 1878-4380

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541811/

DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.002

Pubmed: 37541811

Kontakt

Institut für Virologie

Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 51833
virologie@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

The retransmissions of SARS-CoV-2 from several mammals - primarily mink and white-tailed deer - to humans have raised concerns for the emergence of a new animal-derived SARS-CoV-2 variant to worsen the pandemic. Here, we discuss animal species that are susceptible to natural or experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and can transmit the virus to mates or humans. We describe cutting-edge techniques to assess the impact of a mutation in the viral spike (S) protein on its receptor and on antibody binding. Our review of spike sequences of animal-derived viruses identified nine unique amino acid exchanges in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are not present in any variant of concern (VOC). These mutations are present in SARS-CoV-2 found in companion animals such as dogs and cats, and they exhibit a higher frequency in SARS-CoV-2 found in mink and white-tailed deer, suggesting that sustained transmissions may contribute to maintaining novel mutations. Four of these exchanges, such as Leu452Met, could undermine acquired immune protection in humans while maintaining high affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Finally, we discuss important avenues of future research into animal-derived viruses with public health risks.